The Ultimate Guide to Casual Shirts: Styles, Materials, Patterns & Best Brands

The casual shirt is the backbone of modern menswear. Smarter than a tee, more relaxed than a button-down, it’s what you reach for when you want comfort without compromising style. Whether you’re dressing for brunch, travel, a day at the office or just upgrading your everyday rotation — the right casual shirt gets the job done.

At tellar.co.uk, we size your casual shirts based on your real measurements, matched to 1,500+ brands. Here’s your complete breakdown of shirt styles, fabrics, patterns, styling tips and the brands that do them best.

Key Casual Shirt Styles

Oxford Shirt

Button-down collar, heavy cotton, always in style. Great worn open over a tee or buttoned under a jacket. Try white, pale blue or striped for layering.

Cuban Collar / Camp Collar

Open collar, boxy fit, short sleeve. Designed for hot weather and laid-back settings. Works with chinos or tailored shorts.

Overshirt / Shacket

Heavier fabric, relaxed fit, often with patch pockets. Ideal for transitional weather. Layer over a tee or rollneck for extra depth.

Chambray / Denim Shirt

Lighter than jeans, but with similar texture. Perfect for smart weekend looks or layered with chinos. Avoid doubling with denim unless shades are clearly different.

Poplin Shirt

Smooth and structured but still wearable casually. Often seen in patterned versions — ideal tucked or untucked depending on cut.

Fabric Breakdown

• Oxford cotton: Durable, structured, softens with wear
• Linen: Light, breezy, best for warm months
• Chambray: Lightweight denim lookalike, stylish and breathable
• Brushed cotton: Warm, soft, ideal for autumn and layering
• Poplin: Smooth, clean finish, slightly more formal

Patterns That Work

• Checks: Flannel, gingham, or large-scale plaids. Great for layering or solo
• Stripes: Vertical for elongating, horizontal for casual style
• Floral/Prints: Best in camp collar styles or short sleeve summer fits
• Colourblock: A confident style twist — stick to muted tones for longevity

Best Brands for Casual Shirts

tellar.co.uk – Smarter size. Better style.